Sita is a resident of Tarkhari village near Banda, her story is of violent land dispute between her husband and brother in law. The quarrel started with a wall - erected by her brother in law in their common land. As the quarrel grew bitterer, one night her brother in law's family along with her in laws broke into their house and attacked them. She and her husband were mercilessly beaten up following which she had a serious head injury. Land disputes being one of the commonest forms of...more »

Sita is a resident of Tarkhari village near Banda, her story is of violent land dispute between her husband and brother in law. The quarrel started with a wall - erected by her brother in law in their common land. As the quarrel grew bitterer, one night her brother in law's family along with her in laws broke into their house and attacked them. She and her husband were mercilessly beaten up following which she had a serious head injury. Land disputes being one of the commonest forms of quarrels in the agrarian societies of north India where land is one of the main sources of wealth, the local police station viewed it as a "family matter" and refused to take down an FIR. Owing to the political influence of her brother in law, the Gram Panchayat too remained unmoved. So, Sita and her husband ran from one official to another of the district and state level for justice. They being a dalit (the untouchables of India), hoped for some sympathy from Ms. Mayawati - the famed dalit Chief Minister of the state, but were apparently disappointed. So, finally they decided to take a chance with Gulabi Gang. Upon hearing their plight Sampat Pal Devi, the leader of the disadvantaged women's association, went straight to their village, assembled the panchayat and the disputing families to bring about justice to the victims. The wall was demolished by Sita's family and Sampat pal Devi herself. Later on, Sampat Pal Devi had a discussion with the local police station about the necessities of taking down such serious complaints, not withstanding its nature of that of a family dispute. Now, Sita and her husband live separately without fear. They are no more in talking terms with the rest of the family. Uttar Padesh, India. Arindam Mukherjee« less